"I don’t know who was saying ‘I’m in love with the Coco,’ but I like that one" - Coco Gauff finds funny side over crowd comments in Cincinnati

Coco Gauff continues her fine form upon her return to North America as she reached the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Marta Kostyuk. After the match, she had a comical interaction with supportive members of the crowd in her interview.

That is now three consecutive semi-final runs for the two-time Grand Slam champion as she continues to build up some strong momentum ahead of the US Open, where she will hope to collect another major title.

For the time being, the Cincinnati Open is her main focus as she looks to win a second title in Ohio after her success in 2023. She has dropped just one set in the whole tournament, coming form behind to defeat Liudmila Samasonova before taking down Ann Li, Marie Bouzkova and Kostyuk for a third consecutive WTA 1000 semi-final in 2026.

She will take on Sara Bejlek for a chance to compete for the title against either Iga Swiatek or Jessica Pegula, two very inform opponents. Gauff will not turn her attention to that yet, knowing that Bejlek is having the tournament of her life with the 20-year-old previously dumping out World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets.

Gauff dropped just four points in an accomplished 70 minute display against the Ukrainian. She spoke after the match with the home crowd a main talking point for her.

When asked why these types of tournaments get the best out of her, the 22-year-old said: "Definitely playing in front of this home crowd." This prompted a chorus of cheers with the positive remarks by Gauff not falling on deaf ears.

She continued to speak on the crowd, pinpointing one spectator in particular. "I don’t know who was saying ‘I’m in love with the Coco,’ but I like that one." The American then pointed to the section where they were in while laughing.

She then said: "That was a good one. And it’s the right Coco!” This caused Gauff to nervously laugh while putting her hands over her face.

While in a joking mood close after the match, it will be a different affair when she next steps onto the court. All of this is proving valuable court time ahead of the US Open in which Gauff will be one of the favourites based on her prior form.

She missed a match point in the Wimbledon semi-finals against Karolina Muchova, and will want to get herself in a similar position where this time she can pounce on the moment. Adding to this, she is in a much better position than she was last year. Struggling with her serve and forehand, those components have been somewhat ironed out with her competitive spirit at an all time high. One to watch out for as the North American hardcourt swing continues.